A Round and a Roundy: Oh, No WONDER De Blasio’s Open-Streets Plan Failed
Either the mayor needed lots of cops because so many people were using his open streets — or he didn't need cops because no one was using it. It can't be both, as our cartoonist shows.
By
Streetsblog
12:00 AM EDT on April 13, 2020
America’s leading editorial cartoonist, Bill Roundy, leaves no doubt what’s bothering him this week.
It’s the mayor, of course, who created an open-streets plan that was clearly designed to fail, what with all the cops he sent to “enforce” the public so that people would not gather.
Then the mayor turned around and said that he ended the pilot program after just 11 days because not enough people used it. Well, what’s it going to be, Mr. Mayor: Either you need cops because so many people are using it or you don’t need the cops because no one is using it.
It can’t be both, as Roundy makes clear.
Brooklyn-based cartoonist Bill Roundy’s weekly clarion calls are archived here.
This piece was the work of the Streetsblog staff.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets
Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.
Ethan Andersen
December 15, 2025
‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor
"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.
December 12, 2025
Watchdog Wants Hochul To Nix Bus Lane Enforcement Freebies for MTA Drivers
Lawmakers think the bill prevents MTA employees from getting a "slap in the face" for doing their jobs, but it could open the door to abuse.
December 11, 2025
More Truck Routes Are Coming To A Street Near You
The DOT wants to rein in freight trucks by adding more than 45 miles to the city’s existing network of truck routes.
December 11, 2025
Upstate County’s New Bus Service Will Turn A Transit Desert Into A Rural Network
Jefferson County was one of the few counties in New York without a bus service. Now job seekers and students will have previously unfathomable options in their North Country communities.
December 11, 2025
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.